As Ofsted increases enforcement action against unregistered children’s homes, providers across Manchester and Liverpool are under growing pressure to recruit Registered Managers with proven experience navigating the 2026 registration process. This article explores “registration-literate” leadership, compliance-focused hiring and the risks facing services caught within the expanding unregistered home crackdown.

High turnover among Registered Managers can destabilise children’s homes, damage staff morale and negatively impact Ofsted outcomes across Manchester, Cheshire and the wider North West. This article explores retention strategies for high-calibre residential care leaders, including autonomy, RI support, clinical supervision, wellbeing and creating long-term leadership pathways that reduce turnover and strengthen service stability.